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To deter crime, Wilmington provides a lived-in look

10:03 PM,
Mar. 8, 2014

The City of Wilmington spent $1,000 to cover abandoned buildings along Eighth Street along Pine Street. The door at 525 Eighth Street looks as it normally would, but 527, 529 and 531 have been covered with decorative vinyl to hide the true windows and doors.

Written by

Yann Ranaivo
The News Journal

Some Wilmington officials hope that making vacant houses look occupied can push criminal activities away from certain city blocks.

The city has spent about $1,000 to place vinyl coverings over the boards used to cover up windows and doorways on four vacant properties on the 500 block of East Eighth Street.

The coverings, which the city bought from a Pennsylvania company called Home Illusions, depict actual house doors and windows with curtains. The effect gives the impression that the spaces are occupied. ...